Basketry-

Wooden hampers and baskets are what we have been known for for twenty-three years. We have travelled across the United States attending art / craft shows with them.
Self taught in basketry; our style employs simple, straightforward designs, which focus on function and high quality workmanship. Our baskets are meant to survive on to the next generation.

They range from small tabletop sizes to large hampers and coffee table sizes; and are made from a variety of hardwoods such as Oak, Elm, Walnut, Ash and occasionally some exotics. The lidded baskets utilize a unique hinge made from hickory and leather. Copper and bronze rivets and nails are used for assembly. The technique requires much hand work, as well as the use of many power tools.

Metal-

This is a relatively new medium for us. It's a 180 degree turn artistically. With the baskets the work was all functional; with the metal, none of it is. Whimsical would be my word for it. 

Awards and Collections

Over the years we have received numerous awards for our work including top honors at the Minnesota Crafts Festival and the Milwaukee Museum of Art- “Lakefront  Festival of Arts”. The Minnesota Historical Society has a hamper in its permanent collection. We were invited to make an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree (1996- Clinton Presidency).

Art Shows we have participated in:

American Craft Council Shows in Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Paul, San Francisco
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington D.C.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver
Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis
Minnesota Crafts Festival in St. Paul
Lakefront Festival of Arts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Minnesota Renaissance Festival (participants for fourteen years)
Arizona Renaissance Festival (participants for three years)
SOFA Chicago (with Katie Gingrass Gallery)
SOFA New York (with Sandra Collins Gallery)

Some galleries who have our work:

The Spectrum of American Artists -MA area, RI, NH
Sawbridge Studios - Chicago area
Fine Line Designs - Door County, WI
Greenleaf Gallery - Duck, NC
Show of Hands - Denver
Sandra Collins  - Birmingham, MI
 
find us in the Guild.com web catalog at www.guild.com

Publications:

We have had four designs published in “Wood” magazine, also one published in “Weekend Woodworking Projects” by Better Homes and Gardens. Pictures of our work are in the books: “Baskets- A Book for Makers and Collectors” by Billie Ruth Sudduth; “Beautiful Things-  Original Art From the Artists of Guild.com” and “Object Lessons- Beauty and Meaning in Art” By Guild Publishing.

<<<<<<<<<<<< Return to homepage <<<<<<<<<<<<

---

for questions or comments about this web site, send mail to: keith@raivoart.com
Keith Raivo ~ 2435 Woodmor Rd ~ Brook Park, MN   55007 ~ 320-679-4667

©Keith Raivo 2004
updated7/25/04